A former reporter from CTV and CBC, Richard Madan, was appointed by Wab Kinew’s NDP government to head Manitoba’s trade office in Washington, D.C., with an annual salary of $387,000, as revealed by the premier’s office on Wednesday. Madan’s salary for leading the D.C. trade office this year surpasses both Kinew’s earnings as Manitoba premier ($195,936 annually) and Scott Gillingham’s earnings as Winnipeg’s mayor ($223,338 as of 2024).
Hired in June, Madan’s role is to enhance Manitoba’s connections with U.S. elected officials, trade representatives, and industry figures, while safeguarding the province’s interests in trade agreements. According to Kinew’s office, Madan swiftly acclimated to his new position due to his established network in the U.S. capital.
Since assuming the role, Madan has engaged with Manitobans, assisted the agricultural sector in preparing for new U.S. country-of-origin labeling regulations, addressed trade challenges like a U.S. inquiry into Canadian mushrooms, and promoted Manitobans’ participation in discussions regarding the upcoming renegotiation of the Canada-U.S.-Mexico trade agreement, as per Kinew’s spokesperson, Ryan Stelter.
Moreover, Madan has initiated plans for a Capitol Hill “advocacy day” for Manitoba to showcase the province’s food and mineral supply chains and contributions to Arctic defense to U.S. lawmakers. Despite these efforts, Opposition Leader Obby Khan criticized Madan during question periods, questioning his effectiveness and the high salary of $387,000, part of an $800,000 annual budget for the Washington trade office.
In response to criticism, Kinew defended Madan’s appointment, emphasizing his qualifications and connections for representing Manitoba in Washington, D.C. The premier’s office highlighted that Madan’s salary is comparable to what trade representatives in other provinces, like Ontario’s David Paterson, are earning. Khan suggested that Manitoba should consider hiring a seasoned trade representative or lobbying firm, similar to Ontario’s approach.
Madan, with previous experience at CBC, CityTV, and CTV, expressed confidence in his role as a facilitator to foster potential lucrative partnerships through his extensive network in Washington. The disclosure of Madan’s salary came after a prolonged effort by CBC News to obtain the information.
Despite criticisms, Kinew stood by the decision to hire Madan, emphasizing the importance of his expertise and connections for Manitoba’s interests in Washington, D.C.
